What is the ruling on women assuming leadership positions in a mixed-gender work environment? Is it valid to cite the Prophet's trading with Khadijah's wealth as proof that it is permissible for women to lead men? Is it permissible for a woman to be a leader in a mixed-gender work environment without seclusion?

The majority of scholars stipulate maleness for major leadership positions such as the Grand Imamate and judgeship, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Never will a people prosper who entrust their affairs to a woman." Abu Hanifa, however, permits a woman to judge only in financial matters, while Al-Tabari allowed her to be a ruler absolutely. As for minor positions that do not involve Sharia (definition) prohibitions like mixing (of sexes) and seclusion, it is permissible for a woman to hold them. Indeed, Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) appointed Ash-Shifa bint Abdullah Al-Adawiyah to oversee market supervision (Hisba) in the Medina market. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) work in Khadijah's trade does not serve as a valid argument, as it occurred before his prophethood, and a woman's ownership of trade assets does not imply a woman's authority over a man.